PSG’s Masterclass: A 4-0 Demolition of Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal
On July 9, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a footballing masterclass, dismantling Real Madrid 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. The reigning UEFA Champions League winners showcased their dominance, securing a spot in the final against Chelsea with a performance that left no doubt about their status as the team to beat. This blog dives into the starting lineups, goalscorers, key moments, and post-match reactions from players and coaches, capturing the essence of PSG’s historic victory.
Starting Lineups
PSG lined up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of Luis Enrique: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Dembélé, Doué, Kvaratskhelia. The French giants welcomed back Ousmane Dembélé from a thigh injury, opting for their regular front line, with Bradley Barcola relegated to the bench. The midfield trio of Neves, Vitinha, and Ruiz provided balance and creativity, while Achraf Hakimi’s overlapping runs from right-back proved a constant threat.
Real Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, deployed a 3-5-2 setup: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García; Arda Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Gonzalo García, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr. Kylian Mbappé, facing his former club, started after recovering from a stomach issue, alongside the in-form Gonzalo García, who led the tournament with four goals. However, Real Madrid were without key defenders Dean Huijsen (suspended) and David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga (injured), forcing young Raul Asencio into the backline.
Match Recap and Goalscorers
From the opening whistle, PSG asserted their dominance, pressing high and exploiting Real Madrid’s defensive frailties in the sweltering 90-degree heat. The game was effectively decided within the first 24 minutes, as PSG scored three goals in a blistering display of pace, precision, and ruthlessness.
- 6th minute: Fabián Ruiz (1-0)
The scoring began when Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio made a costly error. Thibaut Courtois fouled Dembélé, but referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue. Ruiz capitalized, slamming home a loose ball after Dembélé danced through the defense, possibly warranting a penalty. - 9th minute: Ousmane Dembélé (2-0)
Just three minutes later, Antonio Rüdiger’s miskick gifted possession to Dembélé. The French winger raced clear and calmly slotted past Courtois, marking his 35th goal of an extraordinary season. The Real Madrid defense was left in disarray as PSG’s pressing overwhelmed them. - 24th minute: Fabián Ruiz (3-0)
PSG’s third goal was a thing of beauty. Achraf Hakimi surged down the right, combining with Dembélé in a slick give-and-go. Hakimi’s low cross found Ruiz, who slotted home his second with clinical precision, leaving Real Madrid shell-shocked. - 88th minute: Gonçalo Ramos (4-0)
Late in the game, substitute Gonçalo Ramos sealed the rout. Bradley Barcola, also a substitute, nearly scored but was denied by Éder Militão’s last-ditch tackle. Barcola recovered the ball and set up Ramos, who executed a deft pirouette before firing past Courtois. Ramos celebrated with a tribute to the late Diogo Jota, mimicking his video game celebration.
Real Madrid struggled to respond, managing only a tame shot from Militão that forced a routine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG’s relentless pressing and fluid attacking play left Real Madrid with just 36% possession in the first half, unable to string passes together. The referee mercifully blew the final whistle after just four seconds of stoppage time, sparing Real Madrid further humiliation.
Key Moments and Analysis
PSG’s high press, led by Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, suffocated Real Madrid’s midfield, with Vitinha and João Neves dictating the tempo. Achraf Hakimi’s marauding runs down the right exposed Fran García, while Marquinhos and Beraldo were imperious at the back. Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, including Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., was nullified, with their only chances coming from individual efforts that Donnarumma easily handled.
The match marked a poignant farewell for Luka Modrić, who played his 597th and final game for Real Madrid before joining AC Milan. Lucas Vázquez also departed, with both players leaving as club legends with multiple Champions League titles. For PSG, this victory was a statement of intent, following their 4-0 thrashings of Atlético Madrid and Inter Miami, and a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich despite finishing with nine men.
Post-Match Press Conference
Luis Enrique (PSG Manager):
Enrique was effusive in his praise for his team’s performance. “I think every single player showed their best quality to the team,” he told DAZN. “We controlled the game from the start. It’s a nice challenge for the players and the team, to want to keep winning. The club is hungry, the fans are hungry, the players are hungry.” He highlighted the team’s calmness in front of goal and their ability to dominate in high-stakes matches, setting their sights on the final against Chelsea.
Fabián Ruiz (PSG, Man of the Match):
Named the “Superior Superstar of the Semi,” Ruiz reflected on his brace: “It’s an incredible feeling to score twice in a game like this. We played with intensity and executed our plan perfectly. Real Madrid are a great team, but we were just better today.” He credited Enrique’s tactics and the team’s unity for their success.
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG):
Dembélé, who tormented his former teammate Mbappé, said, “We knew we had to start fast and press them hard. This is a special win, but we’re focused on the final now. The team is in a great moment.”
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid Manager):
Alonso was gracious in defeat but acknowledged the gap in performance. “PSG were brilliant, and we couldn’t match their intensity. We made too many mistakes, and they punished us. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he said, facing early pressure in his tenure as Real Madrid’s manager.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid):
Mbappé, visibly disappointed, commented, “It’s tough to play against your former team, but we didn’t show up today. PSG were better in every area. We need to regroup and focus on the future.” His lackluster performance sparked debate about his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Looking Ahead
PSG’s 4-0 rout of Real Madrid cements their status as favorites to win the FIFA Club World Cup, with a final against Chelsea looming on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. Their relentless form, having outscored opponents 18-0 in their last five knockout matches across all competitions, suggests they are on the cusp of one of the most successful club campaigns in history. For Real Madrid, this defeat marks their first loss in the Club World Cup and a bitter end to their campaign, with questions lingering about their defensive vulnerabilities and Mbappé’s impact.
This semifinal was a testament to PSG’s evolution under Luis Enrique, blending tactical discipline with attacking flair. As they prepare to face Chelsea, the football world watches in awe, wondering if anyone can stop this juggernaut.
